Last spring saw one the release of the most perfect fashion collections in recent memory, from Alexander McQueen. Based around bees and women as worker bees, this fantastically visual theme was cross-pollinated with the brand's dark romance. Immaculate construction ensured each elegant look was executed in the most high fashion way.

Opening the Autumn/Winter season of New Zealand Fashion Week was Twenty-Seven Names. From designers Rachel Easting and Anjali Stewart, I've always loved this label, and it has a cult following across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the United States and also now in the UK.

Recently being introduced to Aigner's 'Florence' tote, my heart skipped a beat. That doesn't happen too often - my bar is a high one. But she simply sung to me, trilling her seduction until it was outside my powers to resist a cheeky hold. Slipping her over my arm, our chemistry was instant and permanent

Everyone seems to be off to the races at the moment. Horse racing is one Great British pastime I've never indulged in, although I do love horses and riding, and spent a large part of my early years hanging around stables, hacking, grooming and mucking out - happy days.

Navy is the new black. Sorry to all those so long, so black soul sisters, but I'm switching it up. I am in favour of the tender shade, the chic, elegant colour that Jil Sander may as well be ambassador for.

I'm talking about another British designer this week. Derbyshire born Emma Cook is in the hot seat, her print-plentiful collections oozing British brilliance with a sense of humour only to be expected from our fair land.

I guess I'm into shoes, then. I love a good heel. Although, I'm not so good at them. Samples sales have taught me that most often, scenarios involving my debit card and stilettos are to be avoided. You got me, I admit it. I've caved again, and again, and again.

I am very bad at painting my nails. As far as I can tell, painting the dominant hand with the non-dominant hand is as tricky as finding the perfect lipstick, jean or bobble hat, all tasks I wouldn't wish on an enemy. But I am particularly inept.

Hands up who has bared a naked leg this week. I have! The sun was back from maternity leave for a couple of days and bathed London in glorious sunlight. I am perpetually optimistic regarding mother nature's attention to the weather.

Finally, the sun has shown his pretty face and I can excited for spring, not only to be able to pack away my winter coat, but so that I can embrace the trend for printed trousers this season. Print trousers were seen at many of the SS13 collections and this is one trend I am completely sucked in by.

Just when spring was all worked out - the standard pastel highlight, floral punches and the really good demi-heel - there remains a difficulty. Monochrome. In my youthful orchestra-playing experience, black and white worn together dictates a look that screams 'catering staff', and that's something I'd never wish on anyone.

The handbag is a very special thing. The perfect leather is required for the job at hand, the size an art to perfect, and the fastening is nothing but the third stage of precision difficulty on the path of handbag Eden.

With Paris fashion week coming to an end today, it is only a short while until we begin hearing about the AW13 trends. Having worked at a trend forecasting company, I know the process of whittling down key styles, from whole looks to bag and heel sizes.

Last week I wore trainers. For those lucky people that have experienced my incredible running prowess or seen me post-workout, this won't necessarily be surprising. To those in a professional context, I'd hazard this as unheard of. I 'don't do' trainers.

The sartorial cupid's arrow is a hard hitter. A couple of weeks ago, I fell head-over-demi-heels in love with a neatly wrapped parcel under the Christmas tree. A transparent indigo clutch in the ideal day to night size made up my first piece of the perspex puzzle.

Christian Dior's day has been saved, its reputation reignited and the Parisian equilibrium restored by Raf Simons. Hoorah! Upon D-Day, the presentation of his first ready-to-wear collection for Dior, the Belgian served the first point of this season's Parisian fashion feud.

A few years ago Fashion Shows were strictly for the media elite only. Top editors sat front row with their notepad and pens and were privy to a preview the rest of us would have to wait months to see. Nowadays however things have changed...

Raffaele Ascione is a London-based designer and fast-rising fashion star whose sophisticated, high end womenswear combines fluid shapes and flattering volume with intricate detailing, and has been worn by the likes of Jessie J and Lady Gaga.